Directions Spring 2020

• Mobility. If you are a full-time chair user and want to work on standing/upright, try some light (1/2 pound to 1.5 pound) weights on your ankles. Folks with tight hips are generally unstable in upright but a light weight can provide the needed grounding to be stable and grounded in the water. • Toys. Balls, floaty barbells, pool noodles, and wrist floats can be used for exercise and stability, and make your time in the water more engaging, stable, and fun.

Be mindful of who you are getting in the water with and what level of respiratory protection everyone is most comfortable with.

As you plan for times in our “new normal” to get out and play, Martyn encourages you to think about a few things: • Always safety first. If you use suction frequently, then have it pool side. Evaluate how you are going to get in/out safely. If you choose to get in the water with a trach, extreme care must be taken to ensure that no water gets in/near the stoma site. • Water temperature. As you jump in the water for yourself or with your family member, think about the temperature. It does matter and it will impact how long you can stay in the water and how happy you will be there. 90-95 degrees Fahrenheit is considered thera- peutic and ideal for most with SMA who are full-time chair users. If you have SMA and can walk/move vig- orously, you may prefer a slightly cooler pool at 86-88 degrees Fahrenheit. This will allow you to move fast enough to keep up your body temperature. • What’s your goal? Are you getting in for fun (time in the lazy river) or to work on more therapy related activities? Life jackets and head collars are great for the lazy river. You can be more hands-off but always eyes- on and within arms-reach. If you are more focused on exercise, pick the supports you need to maximize function and provide the needed support to maximize your ability to reach your goals and keep you safe. That could include a neck support, floats on your wrists or waist, or weights on your ankles for improved stability.

The Pool and Physical Distancing While most, if not all, community aquatic facilities are closed during the COVID-19 pandemic, please monitor federal guide- lines for reopening. “If you have a small, apartment style pool, it will be worth pay- ing attention to these guidelines to ensure the best practice for your smaller community,” says Martyn. We hope you and your loved ones can spend time in the pool this summer while also practicing physical distancing, as your health and well-being are of utmost importance.

Safety is Key! The American Physical Therapy Association does not recommend people with trachs use swimming pools.

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DIRECTIONS | SPRING 2020

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